Guests coming to county library Storytime

Kids Need to Read (KNTR) will be arriving at Hot Springs County Library with Grow Your Library, an inspiring library donation program led by KNTR Board Member Gary Mlodzik and his wife Tina. Inspired by the Mlodzik’s shared love of reading, family, and public libraries, this program delivers free books and story time to local libraries and children during the couple’s travels.

The 24th national Grow Your Library event will be visiting the library during Storytime at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6. Gary and his wife will read with the children, and each child in attendance will receive a free book and Highlights magazine courtesy of KNTR.

Children will also learn how they can use their own love of reading to help the library earn even more free books in the future.

“I developed the Grow Your Library program to introduce a giving culture in the youth we meet at literacy events,” said Mlodzik. “Putting a book in the hands of a child and allowing them to expand their horizons is magical. Allowing that child to make a small effort in order to share that magic for future generations is a priceless lesson. It is my hope that the children will be proud of the book donations made in their name and tell their friends, thereby further encouraging both literacy and philanthropy.”

Kids Need to Read Executive Director Denise Gary stated, “The importance of reading extends far beyond the mechanics. Its greatest power is determined by how each person uses reading to shape their lives. Inspiring children to read at an early age allows that vital, lifelong process to begin.”